44 THE HISTORY OF A NUT-CRACKER.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

glass, they had sought refuge beneath the chairs and tables,
Whence they were now beginning to issue again.

On his side, Nut-cracker, far from being terrified by the
whistling, seemed to gather fresh courage.

‘‘ Despicable king of the mice,” he exclaimed; ‘it is thou,
then! Thou acceptest the death which I have so long offered
you? Come on, and let
this night decide between
us. And you, my good
friends—my companions—
my brethren, if it be indeed
\\ true that we are united in
< bonds of affection, support
me in this perilous contest !
On! on!—let those who
love me, follow!”

Never did a proclamation
produce such an effect. Two